Living in Forres

It is an ever-expanding town and a popular place to live.

Its proximity to an army base means there is a lively mix of residents from all walks of life. Before the army was here, nearby Kinloss was an RAF base.

The high street is full of 19th century architecture, and centres around a market square, market cross and Tolbooth.

Is Forres a nice place to live?

Forres is a historical town just off the Moray Coast in the northeast of Scotland, with floral gardens, a picturesque, historic high street, friendly people and much more.

It is situated close to the A96, the main arterial route between Inverness and Aberdeen and the main rail route between the two cities.

With a growing population, it currently has around 10,000 people living in the town itself and a further 6,000 in surrounding villages.

There is a large secondary school, a supermarket, modern health centre, three dental surgeries, three council-run primary schools and a private school following the Steiner Waldorf curriculum.

Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis club, badminton and squash courts, two bowling greens, playing field, and more.

Visiting Forres

Forres and Moray is increasingly becoming a popular destination for holidaymakers and daytrippers. There is a good selection of accommodation with hotels, self-catering, B&B, camping and glamping. There’s also a wide range of things to do and places to eat and drink. See our leisure and tourism site, Visit Forres, for more details

Events in Forres

Forres hosts many events large and small. See our events calendar for more details. Notably, it holds an annual vintage car rally, an arts festival, Highland Games, and has formerly held the European Pipe Band Championships and World Orienteering Championships.

Buying a house in Forres

There are five property agents in the town.

  • R&R Urquhart, 117-121 High Street, 01309 672216
  • Cockburns, 100b High Street, 01309 673373
  • Grigor and Young, 100 High Street, 01309 672126
  • Grampian Property Centre, 73 High Street, 01309 696296
  • Cluny Estate Agents, 91 High Street, 01309 673836

Just a note of caution: Long-term rentals are thin on the ground, and should be secured well in advance if you are moving to the town without a property.